Iodine is an essential trace element necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones which are critical for human growth and development throughout the lifecycle. Iodine is particularly important during pregnancy and infancy for brain and neurological development. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause severe mental impairment and stillbirth while mild-to-moderate deficiency has been associated with impaired infant development. As such, pregnant women and women of child-bearing age are particularly vulnerable to the effects of iodine deficiency.